The Do's and Don'ts of Disinfecting Your Phone

Your phone is covered in germs: 25,127 bacteria per square inch, to be precise. This makes cell phones one of the dirtiest objects we come in contact with every day. In fact, when compared to other items that are infamously “dirty,” cell phones take the lead. Now that we’re all glued to our devices, cleaning our phones is a must. But did you know there’s a right way to disinfect your phone without damaging them?

The Do’s

Disinfectant wipes, yup, it’s okay to use them. Clorox Disinfecting Wipes and any wipes registered by the EPA  work, the CDC says.
It’s best to use disinfectant wipes that contain 70% isopropyl alcohol to avoid damaging the protective coating on the touchscreen.

When wiping down the phone, take care to be gentle and not apply too much pressure. Remember, you paid around $1k for this badboy!For added protection, wear disposable gloves so you don't spread any germs to your hands. Pro tip: Don’t forget to wipe down your case.

The Don’ts

JUST like toilet paper, it's hard to get disinfectant wipes, but promise me you won't make your own homemade cleaning solution. If the concentration isn’t just right, there’s a chance of damaging the touchscreen coating.

 Avoid using heavy-duty wipes, bleach, or general cleaning sprays.

Avoid getting any liquid in ports and the speaker. 

Do not spray the phone directly.

Do not use paper towels, which can scratch. Avoid wiping down the phone with abrasive cloths or paper towels. Instead, clean up the liquid using a soft material like a microfiber cloth.

Unplug before you clean.

Pro-tip: If you’re high-tech, a gadget that pulses UV light to destroy surface bacteria might be your thing. Whatever method you choose, remember to clean your phone regularly to keep bacteria far from you!